September 19, 2024

the un.news

All the top stories that didn't happen.

Taylor Swift hasn’t endorsed Trump, Harris

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift performs on 'The Eras Tour' | photo: Paolo Villanueva

the un.newsSuperstar Taylor Swift was not a surprise guest at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week. Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic party’s presidential nomination on the fourth and final night of the DNC, which ended without a performance by the popular singer/songwriter. 

Confetti and balloons rained from the ceiling of the United Center as Harris, running mate Tim Walz, and their families took the stage — but there was no concert to follow.

Swift, 34, did not attend the event or endorse Harris. She also has not endorsed Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. 

Unsubstantiated Rumors

Rumors swirled throughout the day that a big-name star would headline the event, with Swift speculated as a likely choice. Swift’s massive and loyal fan base could bring a substantial wave of excitement to the Harris campaign.

Multiple news sources shared the rumors.

Swift wrapped up a five-night run of shows in London on Tuesday to cap off the European leg of her “Eras Tour.” CNN noted that the timing would allow her to be in Chicago by Wednesday for the final two nights of the DNC.

Former Obama administration official Brandon Friedman traced the origin of the rumor to a number of blue-check accounts on X (formerly Twitter) that teased a “big surprise” or “special guest” at the DNC to hundreds of thousands of followers.

“Everybody loves Taylor, but having her here would overshadow everything,” a DNC insider told Deadline. “Think about it, no one would remember a word the Vice President said in her acceptance speech. All the headlines would be about Swift.”

The Swifties — the artist’s rabid fans — who tuned in to the convention were ultimately disappointed.

Fake Endorsement

Swift’s rumored appearance at the DNC came only days after Trump posted to Truth Social a handful of AI-generated images that falsely portrayed the multi-Grammy-winning pop megastar and her fans as endorsing Trump’s presidential campaign.

Former President Trump has since distanced himself from the images.

“I don’t know anything about them, other than somebody else generated them. I didn’t generate them,” Trump told FOX Business Network correspondent Grady Trimble on Wednesday.

“AI is always very dangerous in that way,” he added.

Published 11:45 AM EDT, Sat. August 24, 2024

By the un.news Staff